#I def think that blue would adjust faster than yellow since she’s less emotionally constipated

[world-of-socks]

Chapter 2: Dang, these gems sure know how to cry.

*Note: sorry this chapter is a little shorter, but it’s out. Again, a huge thanks to, @steven-universe-au-prompts for the idea. I hoe I can keep this going and actually finish something for once lol. Anyways, I hope you enjoy this incredibly er “emotional” chapter, it’s quite the contrast to the last one.

Blue Kyanite sat in a large field, peppered throughout with strawberries and flowers. The sky was so blue. The grass was soft and the air smelled with a fresh sweetness. Everything was lovely.

She had told herself the first time that she wouldn’t come back, that it was just a whim and that Earth wasn’t always this lovely. She couldn’t help herself though, it was too tempting. Blue Diamond decided that disguising herself when she came here would be the safest way to go about doing things. Nobody would know, not even the rest of homeworld. For what would they do if they knew? She wanted to tell Pink, but if she did, everyone else would find out, besides there was far less pressure this way.

Blue sighed and laid back in the grass, watching a few pieces of dandelions float upon the breeze. She contemplated for a moment what would happen if someone was to find out. She shivered. She knew White wouldn’t be pleased, maybe Yellow would understand, and Pink would probably just be excited. It was still too much of a risk. There was no need to worry though, nobody would know and besides it’s not like she was trying to fight a war for this place. She just enjoyed coming here every now and then to unwind in the pleasant peacefulness it had to offer.

………

The camp was very loud. And crowded. There was so much pushing and shoving. Blue Kyanite felt more out of place than she ever had before. She was tall compared to most of the other gems and they ran around her, bumping into her, occasionally yelling commands at her. How on, quite frankly, EARTH, did she end up here?

Nothing she loved about Earth was quite present at the base camp. Hard dirt was her floor (she fashioned shoes for herself), it smelled of burning metal and dust, and the calm she so loved was missing. As she stared around the camp, contemplating why she was truly here, there was a tug at her arm.

“Blue. BLUE!” Chrysocolla called, “Is everything alright?”

“Yes, Yes I’m fine. This is just...different...than I expected.” she replied.

“Well what did you expect? War isn’t pretty.” Chryss laughed.

“Hm.” Blue simply responded, her thoughts still ripped apart by the noise.

They stood there for a minute before Chryss pulled her away into their tent. She sat Blue down on a cot and watched her for a moment as she continued to stare absentmindedly at what appeared to be nothing.

“Seriously something’s up with you. Ever since you said you’d join and help fight, you’ve been acting weird.” Chryss continued, “What’s up?”

“I… don’t know. It was just so easy to sit in the fields or run around with you, but this is.... This is different.” Blue sighed, overwhelmed, “This is going against everything I’ve ever known, and I don’t even know what I’m fighting for.”

“What do you mean?” she replied, “You like this planet, right? You told me you wanted to help fight.”

“I did. I DID. But for just one pretty planet? This is SERIOUS, Chryss. I’ve never FOUGHT before! I- I’m a diplomat for Blue Diamond, I’ve never even picked UP a weapon!” Blue stood up, “I- I mean, wha- what am I even fighting FOR? The sky? The fields? The smell?”

It was quiet in the tent after that, Blue sat down, she’d never quite burst out like that before in front of a gem like Chryss. She felt her face flush with embarrassment. Chryss was silent for a while.

“Look, you’re new to this, I get it. I was too, but do you know what I’m fighting for? My freedom. I lost-... I lost…” Chryss started crying, “She was the best thing to ever happen to me, and I lost her to the Diamonds. I barely escaped. This planet was my sanctuary, THESE gems are my family. So, that’s why I’m fighting. That’s why I want YOU to fight…”

A few tears rolled down her face. Blue stood up and wiped the tears off of Chryss’s face.

“I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” Blue whispered, “I really didn’t mean to be so rude, I’ve just never done anything like this before. It's so new, and... I’m scared.”

“I know.” Chryss sniffed, “I hope I wasn’t too harsh, it’s just been really rough the past few years and it’s nice to have a friend with me. And even if you're unsure of what you're fighting for now, I’m sure in time, you’ll find more and more about this place that makes you want to join us. But if it really is too much, I’ll understand if you leave.”

Blue didn’t know what to say so she just stood there and nodded slightly in return. She was stunned. She had never really had options before. Nobody was quite this understanding. It was strange. Everything on this planet was so new, so different, so exhilarating.

They sat in the tent for a moment to digest everything that was just said before they both decided it was best that they continued with their day.

Chryss turned back to Blue as she pushed back the tent cover, “Hey, I’d just like to apologize again for the outburst. I would like to warn you though, it happens a lot around here. We crystal gems are an emotional bunch.”

Chryss gave a smile and then turned away again. As the two walked past the rows of dirty tents and the small fires with gems gathered around them, Blue paid close attention to their faces. A few were laughing with each other, two were whispering to each other with an expression she couldn’t place, a few of the gems, who looked dirtier and older, wore defendant looks upon their faces. She looked away.

After walking a while, Chryss grew excited and hopped up to a group of gems in the courtyard area of the camp. She ran up to a Citrine and wrapped her arms around her. The others laughed and smiled. After she unwrapped herself she did the same to a Diopside. Blue stood back and watched with curiosity.

“Ahh!” Chryss squealed, “I missed you guys so much! How was your mission?”

“Oh, it was… a mission.” Diopside replied, hesitantly.

“I...see. What happened?” Chryss’s smile faded slightly.

“We were victims of a surprise attack.” An aquamarine groaned, “Peach warned us to look out for such things, and we did, but apparently we weren’t good enough. That Jasper is mighty clever.”

The Citrine nodded, “She’s smart, but then again, we are too, that’s how we got out alive.”

The group chuckled and made playful roasts at each other, while Chryss looked more despondent then usual. Something was really bothering her today, she was never this emotional. Something was wrong, Blue just didn’t know what.

The citrine frowned, it seems like she noticed as well, “Hey, Chryssie, what’s up? Are you alright?”

“Uh huh.” she lied, flashing a fake smile.

“Seriously, Chryss what’s wrong? You aren’t acting like yourself.” Diopside added.

The group turned to face her, she fidgeted, uncomfortable, but their gaze was kind and full of concern, so eventually she let the truth out.

“... Our anniversary is coming up.” she whispered, “I just don’t want to lose anybody else. I just wanna keep you guys close, so I know I can’t lose you. It’s dumb, I know-”

The group cut her off with a big hug, “It’s not dumb!” the Citrine cried.

“I’m so sorry Chryssie, I totally forgot about your anniversary!! I’m such a horrid friend!” Diopside whimpered.

More responses and cries kept piling in around the squadron of soldiers who were holding the Chrysocollo. Blue just stood a few feet away still in awe. There was so much open emotion, so much touch, so much comfort. Weren’t they ashamed? ...Weren’t they supposed to be?

“I love you guys!” Chryss sniffed, “You guys are the best friends I coulda ever asked for. Just,... please be safe.”

“We’ll try our best.” a few replied.

Normal chatting shortly resumed after the outburst and stories from the squadron’s mission were regaled in dramatic and fun detail. Blue was about to turn and leave when Citrine called out.

“Hey where are you goin? You’re a friend of Chryssie’s, right?” she called in a friendly tone.

“I-... yes, I guess I am.” Blue stammered.

“Chryssie, why didn’t you introduce us?” Citrine smiled.

“Oh, my apologies, Blue!” She smiled sheepishly and turned back to the group, “Everyone, meet my new friend Blue Kyanite. We met a few months ago. She came here on a mission from Blue Diamond, but decided to stay instead. We met and just hung out for a while, but I asked recently if she wanted to help fight for this place and she volunteered.”

Grins spread throughout the group in a wave. Everyone gave her a pat on the back or a hug, or a quick fist bump to the shoulder.

There were cheers of, “Welcome to the team!” and “Any friend of Chryss is a friend of mine!”

Blue had never felt so welcome, nor had she ever been a part of something such as this. There was a warm feeling that spread throughout her. She felt a genuine smile brush upon her face.

Maybe finding a reason to fight for this place wouldn’t be so difficult after all.